Delhi Schools on High Alert: "Pollution Holidays" Loom as Air Quality Worsens

Parents and pupils are concerned that the Delhi administration, led by Atishi, may declare "pollution holidays" for college and schoolchildren as the pollution levels in Delhi-NCR increase. Morning assemblies have been canceled at a number of schools due to the failing air conditioning.

For the people who live in Delhi's National Capital Territory (NCT), the Delhi government has so far announced that November 7 is a public holiday for Chhath Puja.

The Delhi government launched a graded action plan (GRAP) to address the pollution levels in the neighborhood and the capital. As per the proposal, GRAP 4 will be implemented for city dwellers when air quality levels hit 450 or above. This will result in the closure of educational institutions and schools, as well as an odd-even automobile registration system.

Due to poor air quality, the government last year declared holidays for primary school children. For other classes, the administration proposed moving them online.

In the meantime, all Noida and Greater Noida schools up to class 8 were asked to hold their classes online through November 8. The District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) for Gautam Buddh Nagar, Dharmveer Singh, issued the directive. The court also recommended that the school administration endeavor to maximize online learning for classes 9 through 12.

November 2024 school holiday schedule: The list of school vacations is provided here.
- Chhath Puja on Thursday, November 7
- Guru Nanak Jayanti on Friday, November 15
- Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's Martyrdom Day and Karthik Purnima on Sunday, November 24

As Delhi-NCR grapples with worsening air quality, both parents and students remain on edge about potential "pollution holidays." Authorities are closely monitoring pollution levels, and measures like the odd-even rule or shifting to online classes may be enforced if conditions demand. For now, key upcoming holidays are set as planned.